French Restaurants

Located in Hayes Valley, Absinthe Brasserie & Bar combines elements of fine French dining with the laid back atmosphere of a Parisian café. Absinthe recalls an earlier time when food and spirits were homemade and without preservatives, and when one could dine on a fine meal without worrying about all the etiquette. The name itself brings to mind nostalgia of a time long past, but certainly not forgotten. The pressed tin ceilings and copper table tops shine amidst the traditional French design and are an ideal setting for the restaurant’s American-inspired French and Northern Italian cuisine.

Located in a building that will transport you to a quaint Parisian street corner, Garcon hosts a wide selection of classic French fare. This unpretentious neighborhood gem is recognized for its friendly and attentive service and intimate ambience. Once you enter, you will be greeted by a sleek nautical color scheme of navy blue accented by a rustic wood floor and chairs. The menu is sure to please the palate with favorites such as French Onion Soup, Steamed Mussels Mariniere, and Duck Confit. Also, be sure not to miss out on their full bar and extensive wine list.

If you’re interested in dining downtown while still escaping that engulfing city ambiance, look no further than Le Colonial. Serving up elegant French-Vietnamese cuisine made from the highest quality local farm-fresh ingredients, Chef Villanueva truly seems to have outdone himself in this latest undertaking. The décor— complete with exotic flora, a glass canopied walkway, and rattan chairs— is redolent of a 1920’s Asian colonial plantation. The food is no less striking and offers a wide variety of Vietnamese specialties that are sure to make your taste buds dance.

Keller purchased The French Laundry in 1994, with the goal of creating a three-star country French restaurant in the heart of the Napa Valley. Keller credits his staff for the many accolades and awards that the restaurant has received. The French Laundry Cookbook, authored by Keller, was awarded three 1999 International Association of Culinary Professionals awards, including Cookbook of the Year, as well as the 1999 Versailles Cookbook Award in Paris.

A traditional foundation along with a hearty dash of creativity and passion makes this adventurous chef an exciting addition to The Restaurant at Domaine Chandon. Now planted among the vines in one of the valley's most established fine dining restaurants, he pushes his passions to new heights with exceptional regional and seasonally influenced cuisine and exciting wine pairings.

Angèle features a menu, layering elements from traditional recipes with contemporary influences. Its focus on rich and soothing French cuisine ranges from the classic simplicity of vegetable potage to the robust balance of veal stew.

Welcome to Casanova, a culinary experience that echoes the South of France & Northern Italy in the center of Carmel, California. Our style and ambiance is matched by a standard of excellence in food and service that has brought us worldwide acclaim. The hand dug Wine Cellar has received numerous awards for its outstanding selection of wines from all over the world.

Levende Lounge pulses with chic style and hip sophistication. Diners are treated to a full sensory experience as DJ’s and live musicians provide auditory sustenance to compliment Executive Chef Sean Randall’s delectable fusion tapas and luscious libations. Housed in a reclaimed warehouse, Levende Lounge evokes the illicit exclusivity of an underground club elevated to the level of Bay Area refinement. Diners can choose to lounge in luxurious suede banquettes, crowd together for cocktails at the bar, or cuddle at intimate dark wood tables for a repast. With regular events like karaoke and Boogie Brunches, Levende Lounge is always buzzing with …

Masa’s has mastered elegant simplicity. Executive chef Gregory Short continues the Masa tradition of exquisitely prepared and well-paired contemporary French dishes presented in a select assortment of tasting menus. Masa’s menu is trimmed of excess fat, leaving only the most succulent and high quality of dishes organized into overwhelmingly indulgent six and nine-course dinners. Like its pared-down menu, Masa’s décor exudes a confident and precise minimalism. Dark chocolate walls contrast with stark white tablecloths, while vases filled with pink and white roses and black and white toile chairs add notes of pastoral charm. The overall effect suggests Masa’s is a …

Chez Papa Resto incorporates classic French dining into a lounge and bar-like atmosphere. Dark booths complement timeless light fixtures and provide a space ideal for a date or casual night out. Chez Papa Resto offers diners lunch, dinner, and special bar hours, with a plethora of dining and drink options. While the menu is updated frequently, this restaurant is known for its flavorful French cuisine and impeccable presentation. Dishes such as Seared Albacore and Roasted Rib Eye Steak grace the dinner menu. A special tasting menu is also available, with the flavors of the season as some of the star …

An evening at the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton is an invitation for indulgence. While sipping a glass of wine personally recommended by Dining Room sommelier Stephane Lacroix, diners are lulled into a satisfied stupor by the dulcet tones of the live harpist. Chef Ron Siegel’s exquisite and innovative menu supports this pampering ambiance. Noted for his Iron Chef victory, Chef Siegel expertly blends classic French influences with distinctly Japanese ingredients to create dishes that are exciting and utterly extravagant. Amidst the bustle of San Francisco city life, the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton is a welcome respite, a delightfully …

CLOSED! Known for its remarkable views that sweep from the Ferry Building to the Bay Bridge, CHAYA Brasserie is named for the casual, salon-like gathering spots in France and Japan. CHAYA Brasserie combines Japanese hospitality, French savoir-faire, and both countries’ traditions of culinary artistry and excellence. Two distinct atmospheres are offered in the restaurant with a lively bar and a more serene, intimate setting in the main dining room. Patio dining is available in the front of the restaurant, where you can take in the “All Night, Every Night” happy hour. Transform your elegant dining experience into something truly memorable …

Unfortunately, the restaurant is no longer in business! Owner and Chef Laurent Katgely, formerly of the Mission’s prominent Foreign Cinema, has created a unique dining experience in a deceivingly large updated industrial space. Heated patio seating in the front is nestled in a sheltered garden of olive trees and fragrant flowers and herbs. And there is even a sandbox off to the side for the little ones to entertain themselves while you feast. The menu pays homage to Katgely’s native France while staying true to the California trend of using the freshest seasonal ingredients in specialties like the Bouillabaise, Sauteed …